If you or a loved one is facing a terminal condition, hospice may be the answer. Hospice care is a unique, holistic benefit that can help people have a dignified death at home, surrounded by those they love.
While fully covered by Medicare, many Americans don’t take full advantage of the benefit.
What is Hospice?
Hospice is defined as supportive care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course, as certified by a physician.
An interdisciplinary team of compassionate clinicians work together to treat patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual well-being as they near the end of life.
Is hospice the answer for you or a loved one? Complete our brief form to speak to a specialist.
*If you are a current Amedisys patient, please contact your Care Center directly.
Amedisys Hospice Care
At Amedisys, we believe that hospice is a gift that too few Americans receive. More than half of eligible patients do not elect it. Among those who do, most only experience its benefits for days or weeks, despite the fact that those with a life expectancy of six months or less are eligible.
Our team members are available 24/7, offering peace of mind for patients and families, and we’ve invested in developing unique, evidence-based programs for patients with certain diagnoses or demographics.
Discover what makes Amedisys unique below.
Dispelling Hospice Myths
In deepening your understanding of hospice, it’s also important to know what hospice isn’t. Hospice is not giving up, but rather focusing on what really matters in the time remaining. Hospice is also not a place and can be provided wherever the patient calls home.
While there are no curative treatments in hospice, there is medical care provided by skilled clinicians to manage pain and symptoms of the disease. Hospice care is also designed to support caregivers of patients, offering respite care in some situations and bereavement support for up to 13 months after the patient’s passing.
Benefits of Hospice
24/7 Accessibility
Family caregivers and patients have peace of mind, knowing they can call hospice care team members 24 hours a day. If needed, a nurse can visit any time during the day or night, including on weekends and holidays.
Comfort and Quality of Life
Rather than aggressively treating a terminal illness, hospice care focuses on keeping patients comfortable and maintaining or improving their quality of life. Hospice care includes medications to relieve physical pain and symptoms. It also offers other forms of comfort such as companionship, spiritual counseling and providing thoughtful caretaking.
Safety of Home
Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, assisted living and other settings. The hospice care team helps the patient and caregiver create a safe and comfortable environment.
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Physical well-being is only one part of hospice care. Terminally ill patients and their caregivers also have emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care helps meet these needs through counseling and spiritual support. Spiritual counselors can talk with patients about their faith and help them find meaning and peace in a way that resonates with the patient’s beliefs and values.
Hospice vs. Palliative Care
As you progress in your journey of understanding what type of care your loved one needs, it’s important to know the differences between hospice care and palliative care.
While both offer pain and symptom relief for those with serious illnesses, palliative care can be provided at any stage of the disease progression and works in tandem with curative care treatments. Hospice care is only available when a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less.
Learn more about the differences between hospice and palliative care.
Find a Hospice Care Agency Near You
To speak with an Amedisys specialist, you can either complete the form at the bottom of the page or visit our locations directory to contact an agency near you.
